The Five Most Shocking Details From King Charles's Latest State Dinner At Windsor Castle

The State Dinner at Windsor Castle is globally recognized as the pinnacle of British royal pageantry, a fusion of diplomacy, history, and unparalleled glamour. The most recent event, held on December 3, 2025, for the visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender, was no exception, though it broke a number of royal traditions, making it one of the most talked-about state banquets in modern history. This glittering, white-tie affair, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, was a masterclass in soft power, seamlessly blending festive cheer with pointed international diplomacy. Held in the magnificent St George's Hall within the ancient walls of Windsor Castle, the dinner was a powerful display of the monarchy's enduring relevance. From the dazzling, rarely-seen tiaras donned by the royal ladies to the political undertones of the King's speech and a groundbreaking Christmas theme, this state banquet delivered a series of memorable and surprisingly modern moments that captured the world's attention just before the holiday season.

The Most Recent State Dinner: A Deep Dive into the German State Visit

The State Visit by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany and Ms. Elke Büdenbender was the third and final State Visit of the year, a rare occurrence that signals the importance of the Anglo-German relationship to the new monarch.

Key Figures and Royal Attendees

• Hosts: King Charles III and Queen Camilla
• Guests of Honour: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender
• Royal Family Attendees: The Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne (The Princess Royal), and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
• Notable Guests: The guest list was carefully curated to reflect strong UK-German cultural ties, including German supermodel Claudia Schiffer and her filmmaker husband, Sir Matthew Vaughn.
• Location: St George's Hall, Windsor Castle, Berkshire
• Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
• Dress Code: White Tie and Decorations

The event was a complex operation, involving over 150 members of staff and the meticulous preparation of the Grand Service, a historic collection of gold and silver-gilt tableware. The atmosphere was notably festive, marking the first time in modern royal history that a state banquet had been staged with a distinct Christmas theme, complete with a magnificent 20-foot Christmas tree adorning the hall.

The Royal Jewels: A Tiara Showdown and a Historic Debut

The fashion and jewels at any state banquet are a major focal point, but the German State Dinner became an instant legend among royal watchers due to the unprecedented tiara choices. The night saw three senior royal women—Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, and Princess Anne—each wearing a spectacular, historic headpiece.

Queen Camilla's Sentimental Choice

Queen Camilla chose the iconic Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. This tiara is arguably the most famous piece in the royal collection, as it was the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite, affectionately nicknamed 'Granny's Tiara.' This selection was a powerful symbolic gesture, reinforcing her continuity with the legacy of her mother-in-law. Camilla paired the brilliant diamond piece with a gown and the royal family orders, embodying the required pomp and ceremony of the occasion.

The Princess of Wales's Oriental Circlet Debut

The most talked-about moment of the night was the Princess of Wales's (Kate Middleton) tiara choice. She made a jaw-dropping entrance wearing Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara, a piece she had never worn before. This rarely-seen diamond and ruby headpiece, which is one of the largest in the collection, marked a significant moment in her royal journey. Her choice of a matching blue gown by designer Jenny Packham created a stunning, regal silhouette, cementing her status as a global style icon and showcasing the immense value of the Crown Jewels.

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Princess Anne’s Signature Aquamarine

Not to be overshadowed, Princess Anne continued her tradition of wearing her favourite pieces, dazzling in the Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara (also known as the Diamond Festoon Tiara). Her consistent use of this distinctive piece adds a personal touch to the formality of the white tie event, further enriching the tapestry of the royal family’s jewel display.

The Menu and Culinary Diplomacy: A Taste of the Royal Estates

The state banquet is a meticulously choreographed culinary event, and the menu for the German State Visit was designed to celebrate the best of British seasonal produce, with many ingredients sourced directly from the royal estates. The choice of dishes often carries a subtle diplomatic message, highlighting the host nation's heritage and agricultural excellence. The dinner, served to approximately 152 guests in St George's Hall, was a four-course feast prepared by the Royal Chef and his team.

A Glimpse at the Luxurious Menu

• Starter: *Tartine de Truite Fumée à...* (Smoked Trout Tartine)
• Main Course: A seasonal game dish, likely featuring ingredients from the Windsor Castle grounds or the Balmoral Estate, reflecting the late-autumn/early-winter timing.
• Dessert: A festive, seasonal dessert, likely incorporating British fruits and a nod to the Christmas theme.
• Wines: A selection of fine British and international wines, carefully chosen by the Royal Cellar Master to complement the rich, seasonal flavours.

The sheer scale of the operation is staggering, involving thousands of pieces of silverware, crystal glasses, and the precise timing of 76 waiters to ensure all guests are served simultaneously.

King Charles's Political Message and the Festive Setting

Beyond the glamour of the tiaras and the luxury of the menu, the State Dinner served its primary function as a platform for high-level diplomacy. King Charles III used his speech to deliver a clear and powerful political message to his German counterpart, President Steinmeier.

A United Front Against Aggression

In his address, the King emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Germany. More significantly, he spoke directly about the need for continued unity and cooperation in the face of global challenges. He stated that the UK and Germany were "united in bolstering security" and addressing "Russian aggression," a pointed and clear statement of geopolitical solidarity.

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The Christmas-Themed Grandeur

The festive setting of the state banquet was a deliberate choice to mark the time of year and add a unique warmth to the traditional formality. The Windsor Castle halls were decked with festive decorations, including the towering Christmas tree that served as a spectacular backdrop to the dinner. This unprecedented move softened the typically austere atmosphere of a state dinner, offering a warmer, more personal welcome from the new monarch and Queen Camilla. The blend of ancient tradition and contemporary festive cheer made the event a resounding success, setting a new, slightly more relaxed tone for the future of royal diplomacy.